Bacteria Fight BackThe scary facts about antibiotic resistance

Around the world, concern is growing about bacteria that are able to overcome the drugs used to fight them. For the last 70 years, antibiotic treatment of infections caused by bacteria has greatly reduced illness and death. However, bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics used to treat pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. This means fewer antibiotics are able to treat deadly bacteria.

Information from the Canadian Bacterial Surveillance Network shows that in 1995, rates of resistance to penicillin in strep pneumonia were about eight per cent. By 2009, the rates had risen to over 20 per cent.

In some people, antibiotics have an unavoidable side effect. Certain bacteria, called ‘superbugs,’ can adapt to the antibiotics designed to kill them. People infected with a superbug are more likely to have severe, long-lasting infections. A serious infection can mean spending time in hospital, and possibly even dying.

Information from the Canadian Bacterial Surveillance Network shows that in 1995, rates of resistance to penicillin in strep pneumonia were about eight per cent. By 2009, the rates had risen to over 20 per cent.

Why is antibiotic resistance a concern?

Antibiotic resistance is a mechanism that allows bacteria to survive and multiply, even when an antibiotic is being used. Superbugs often do not respond to the first treatment. This causes longer illness and a greater risk of death. When bacteria are resistant to first treatments, stronger therapies are necessary. These are more expensive, and may have more side effects. The longer the illness and treatment, the higher the health care costs.

Without effective antibiotics to prevent and treat bacterial infections, we will return to the way things were in the pre-antibiotic era. Pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and infections associated with wounds and childbirth will be untreatable.

What causes antibiotic resistance?

In a group of bacteria, antibiotics can kill some of the bacteria. Other bacteria are resistant and cannot be killed by the antibiotics. As a result, the resistant bacteria survive and multiply. If resistant bacteria cause an infection, the antibiotic does not work and the infected person will not be cured.

Remember, bacteria can share genes with each other. They can acquire resistance genes from other bacteria, making a bad situation worse. The result is a resistant infection that can be difficult or impossible to treat.

What about good bacteria?

Ten times the bacterial cells exist in the body compared to human cells. The bacteria in a healthy adult weigh about 1.4 kilograms. The way that good bacteria in the body contribute to health is only beginning to be appreciated. Current research suggests that good bacteria play a role in regulating weight and obesity, in the way the immune (defence) system responds, and in autoimmune diseases, asthma and allergies.

What can I do?

If you are ill, tell your doctor about your symptoms promptly. Be as accurate as you can. If you have an infection caused by a virus, antibiotics are not needed. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you to select over-the-counter medications to relieve your symptoms. If bacteria are the cause of your infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. When you are given an antibiotic, be sure to take it as directed. Never share prescriptions or take medications that have not been prescribed for you.

Tips for staying well

The best way to avoid needing an antibiotic is to not get sick in the first place.

Washing your hands properly is the best way to prevent infections. Use good technique by washing for at least 30 seconds. Teach others in your home when and how to wash their hands. When soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that is alcohol based. Do not use antibacterial soaps or alcohol-free hand sanitizers. These actually promote antibiotic resistance in the normal, good bacteria that live on your skin.

Keep your hands away from your face. You do not get an infection just by having germs on your hands (unless you have a cut or sore on your hand). Germs get into the body through the pink moist areas of your eyes, nose
and mouth.

Regularly clean surfaces that might be contaminated with germs. Outside of hospitals or other medical settings, there is no need to disinfect. Use plain cleaning products that are not antibacterial or disinfecting. Plain cleaning products effectively remove germs without creating antibiotic resistance in the bacteria in the environment or in your body.

Do not share personal items like cosmetics, razors, water bottles, or cigarettes. If you do smoke, try to quit. Smoking is a health risk for respiratory infections.

Practice good respiratory etiquette. Cover your sneezes and coughs with a tissue. Throw the tissue away promptly. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or upper arm.